When in Rome, eating like a local is a big part of the experience. From iconic pasta dishes to irresistible street food and sweet treats, the Eternal City offers a rich culinary tradition that reflects its history, simplicity, and bold flavors. Here’s a curated list of Roman specialties you absolutely shouldn’t miss:
One of the most famous Roman dishes worldwide, Carbonara is made with just a few ingredients—eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper. No cream here—just creamy perfection from the emulsified sauce
Literally “cheese and pepper,” Cacio e Pepe is a minimalist masterpiece. This simple pasta dish highlights the sharpness of Pecorino Romano and the bite of black pepper, all bound together in a silky sauce.
A robust dish made with bucatini pasta, crispy guanciale, tangy tomato sauce, and Pecorino cheese. It’s spicy, savory, and perfectly Roman.
Thin veal slices topped with prosciutto and fresh sage, sautéed in white wine and butter. Saltimbocca, meaning “jumps in your mouth,” is as flavorful as it sounds.
Rome’s answer to arancini. These deep-fried rice balls are filled with ragù, mozzarella (which melts into a delicious cheesy core), and sometimes peas. A classic Roman street food snack you’ll crave again and again.
Literally “pizza by the slice,” Pizza al Taglio is baked in large rectangular trays and sold by weight. Expect a light, crunchy crust and an endless variety of toppings—from traditional margherita to creative gourmet options
Artichokes take center stage in Roman cuisine. Try them:
Alla Romana: stuffed with garlic, mint, and slow-cooked in olive oil.
Alla Giudia: deep-fried whole in Jewish-Roman tradition, crispy and golden.
A fluffy, sweet bun sliced open and overflowing with fresh whipped cream. Traditionally eaten for breakfast, Maritozzi are a must for anyone with a sweet tooth.
While not exclusive to Rome, gelato is a non-negotiable treat when in Italy. Skip the flashy mountains of gelato and look for artisanal gelaterie that produce small batches in-house with natural ingredients.
Are you interested in a wonderful food experience? Here you will find some helpful and nice restaurants, and if you would like our assistance, we would be delighted to offer you our best food walking tour experience
Are you planning to spend 3 or 4 days in Rome? Look at our 3 days food tours of Rome
To Live an Unforgettable Roman Experience
You should definitely try traditional Roman dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe, and supplì. Local street food like pizza al taglio and trapizzino is also a must when in Rome.
Yes. While Roman cuisine is meat-heavy, most restaurants offer vegetarian options like pasta cacio e pepe, fried zucchini flowers, and seasonal vegetable dishes.
If you are looking for luxury tours or private transfer contact us now
